Research Nurse Coordinator - Neuroscience

The Neuroimmunology Research Nurse Coordinator (RNC) works independently with minimal supervision following Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines and demonstrates expert clinical, organizational and communication skills. The RNC has the ability to learn the clinical trials and/or grants process and demonstrates expert understanding of the federal and institutional regulations and policies governing clinical research involving protection of human subjects (JCAHO, FDA, GCP, OHRP, IRB, NIH/NCRR.) The Research Nurse Coordinator functions as a resource in area of expertise for those professionals requiring assistance, participates in setting standards and monitoring the quality of care for research protocols and facilitates multidisciplinary collaboration in meeting complex needs as they relate to the research process. The RNC coordinates research projects and uses detail-oriented documentation of all research-related procedures and outcomes, continually reviews research processes and provides feedback to the principal investigator, research coordinators and other members of the research team. The RNC also facilitates the preparation of Institutional Review Board (IRB) applications for clinical research proposals.

The Neuroimmunology Research nurse also serves as a clinical nurse coordinator and patient educator for the neuroimmunology program. The program includes 3 neurologists, a physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor, psychiatrist, neuropsychologist and clinical social worker providing multidisciplinary care integrated with research encounters for children in clinic and hospitalized for neuroinflammatory conditions like multiple sclerosis and autoimmune encephalitis. This is a highly integrated and supportive team with a positive work environment, and includes a remote/in person hybrid work plan.

All nursing practice is based on the legal scope of practice, national and specialty nursing standards, Children's National Policies and Procedures and in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations. The Professional Model of Care requires registered professional nurses to be responsible and accountable for their own practice. Children's National supports the development of RN relationships within the community, specifically those relationships associated with the health and well-being of the community at large.

Minimum Work Experience

2 years Clinical research nursing for NIH or industry-sponsored clinical trials. (Required)

2 years Complete all Human Subject Research Courses (Required)

3 years Recent clinical nursing experience in an acute care setting. (Required)

Required Skills/Knowledge
Meticulous attention to detail.
Computer skills; familiarity with MS Word, MS Office and intranet/internet preferred.
Ability to operate general office equipment, including fax machine, printer and copier.

Required Licenses and Certifications
Registered Nurse in District of Columbia (Required)Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) (Required)

Functional Accountabilities
Responsible Conduct of Research

• Consistently demonstrates adherence to the standards for the responsible conduct of research.

• Plans, conducts and manages research projects within federal and institutional regulations and policies under the direction of the principal investigator.

• Uses research funds and resources appropriately.

• Maintains confidentiality of data as required.

• Meets all annual job-related training and compliance requirements.

Integrate nursing process with research plan

• Performs assessments related to overt and subtle patient needs by making proficient clinical assessments according to GCP.

• Integrates patient data to anticipate problems associated with changing patient status as they relate to the research process.

• Serves as a role model for others by integrating data obtained from a range of sources in the development and revision of research activities.

• Demonstrates independent decision-making in executing research plan.

• Assists others in protocol implementation.

• Acts as an advocate in meeting patient/family needs related to research protocol.

• Acts as a role model for the evaluation of research process

Develop effective communication channels with research team, staff, patients and families

• Protects patient/family right to confidentiality in relation to research protocol.

• Acts as a role model for other professionals by communicating responsively, respectfully and assertively.

• Collaborates with physicians and other healthcare professionals throughout all phases of the research process.

Ensure that patient and family understand plan of care and health status implications

• Designs orientation materials for both patient/family and health professionals as related to the research protocol as necessary.

• Serves as content expert in the development, review and revision of educational materials developed for research study.

• Evaluates effectiveness of research teaching plan in meeting educational needs of staff/patient/family and makes recommendations for change as needed.

• Takes initiative in the review and management of research orientation program and examines its impact on unit functioning.

• Explains research projects and their significance to potential research subjects and parents of children potentially involved in research projects.

• Ensures informed consents are obtained from subjects before initiation of any aspect of research projects.

Safety

• Speaks up when team members appear to exhibit unsafe behavior or performance.

• Continuously validates and verifies information needed for decision-making or documentation.

• Stops in the face of uncertainty and takes time to resolve the situation.

• Demonstrates accurate, clear and timely verbal and written communication.

• Actively promotes safety for patients, families, visitors and coworkers.

• Attends carefully to important details, practicing Stop, Think, Act and Review in order to self-check behavior and performance.

Professional practice/research

• Participates in Shared Leadership.

• Contributes to Children’s National’s MAGNET Journey.

• Ensures nursing practice is based on evidence of best practice.

• Participates in the Division of Nursing’s Performance Improvement process at the division or unit level.

• Participates in community activities.

Organizational Accountabilities
Ensure professional development needs are met

• Plan activities to meet own educational needs.

• Apply established findings of research to nursing practice when appropriate.

• Address practice problems arising from research through systematic assessment and documentation.

• Act as CNMC representative when networking with other health care providers at professional meetings, or other facilities, etc.

Organizational Commitment/Identification

• Partner in the mission and upholds the core principles of the organization

• Committed to diversity and recognizes value of cultural ethnic differences

• Demonstrate personal and professional integrity

• Maintain confidentiality at all times

Customer Service

• Anticipate and responds to customer needs; follows up until needs are met

Teamwork/Communication

• Demonstrate collaborative and respectful behavior

• Partner with all team members to achieve goals

• Receptive to others’ ideas and opinions

Performance Improvement/Problem-solving

• Contribute to a positive work environment

• Demonstrate flexibility and willingness to change

• Identify opportunities to improve clinical and administrative processes

• Make appropriate decisions, using sound judgment

Cost Management/Financial Responsibility

• Use resources efficiently

• Search for less costly ways of doing things

Organizational Accountabilities (Staff)
Organizational Commitment/Identification
Teamwork/Communication
Performance Improvement/Problem-solving
Cost Management/Financial Responsibility
Safety